UPSC EXAM QUIZ 21.08.2024

Explanation:

• Broiler chicken industry in India has transformed from a traditional, small-scale farming practice into a highly organised and vertically integrated agri-business.
• This evolution has enabled even smallholders to participate in commercial poultry farming, significantly increasing productivity and profitability.

Broiler Chickens

Broiler Chickens: Broiler chickens are a type of chicken specifically bred and raised for meat production. Rearing of chickens comes under poultry farming.

Advantages

• Rapid Growth Rate: Broilers are genetically engineered to grow exceptionally fast, reaching slaughter weight in a relatively short period, typically 4 to 6 weeks.
• High Meat-to-Bone Ratio: They have been selectively bred to develop large breast muscles, which are the most desirable part of the chicken for consumers.
• Efficient Feed Conversion: Broilers efficiently convert feed into meat, making them economically viable for commercial production.
• Poultry Farming: Poultry farming is the practice of domesticating and raising birds, primarily chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese, for the purpose of producing meat and eggs. It is a significant component of the agricultural sector worldwide.

Explanation:

• Minority Affairs Minister launched Jiyo Parsi Yojana Portal to facilitate Parsi couples to apply for Jiyo Parsi Yojana.

Jio Parsi Yojana

• It is a Central Sector Scheme implemented to address the problem of declining population of the Parsi community in India by using scientific protocols and structured interventions.
• It will provide financial assistance to Parsi couples for medical treatment under standard medical protocols, as well as support to child care and dependent elderly persons.
• Beneficiaries and applicants will be able to check the status of their application and receive financial assistance online through Direct Benefit Transfer mode.
• Since its launch in the year 2013-14, the scheme has provided assistance to more than 400 Parsi children.

Explanation:

• In August, The central government announced financial incentives for states to promote land reforms through the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25.
• The plan includes Rs 10,000 crore for land-related reforms and Rs 5,000 crore for creating a Farmers’ Registry in the financial year 2024-25.

Recent Announcements For Land Reforms Under the Scheme

• In rural areas, Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPIN), also referred to as Bhu-Aadhaar, will be assigned to land parcels.
• ULPIN is a number that would uniquely identify every surveyed parcel of land and prevent land fraud, especially in the hinterlands of rural India, where land records are outdated and often disputed.
• Cadastral maps will be digitised, and land subdivisions will be surveyed to reflect current ownership. Additionally, a comprehensive land registry will be established.
• In urban areas, States will receive financial incentives to digitise land records using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.
• They are also required to develop IT-based systems for property record administration, updating, and tax management.

Explanation:

• India has launched an anti-dumping investigation on certain steel products imported from Vietnam.
• The anti-dumping investigation will analyze the threat to the domestic industry.
• The probe is based on a request from domestic steel producers citing negative impacts on market performance.
• This decision has been taken after a significant downturn in the Indian steel market.
• India, despite being the world's second-largest crude steel producer, became a net importer of steel in this fiscal year.
• The period of investigation is January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024 (15 months).
• India has set a target of achieving 300 million metric tons (mt) steel capacity by 2030–2021.

Explanation:

• The state's first 'solar village' inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on August 18.
• Manyachiwadi village in Patan taluka of Satara district has become Maharashtra's first 'solar village'.
• Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the state government is committed to promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
• The state's burden with electricity bills has decreased because to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
• Under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, the state government provides 90 to 95% subsidy to farmers for installing solar pump sets.
• In the next one and a half years, 12 thousand MW of electricity will be generated in the state from solar energy.
• An ambitious plan to provide 100% solar-powered electricity to two villages in each district has been announced by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL).
• After Manyachiwadi, over 70 other villages across Maharashtra will also be part of the projects.